Appeal No. 1997-2708
Application No. 08/337,204
and a vector extractor. The coordinate extractor outputs a
set of coordinates (T, M, R, D) for each irregularity or
minutiae, and the vector extractor outputs a vector of 62-82
digits, likewise based on irregularities or minutiae (see
column 7, line 61-column 8, line 49, especially column 8,
lines 5-16). Thus, Sparrow characterizes or identifies a
fingerprint by its minutiae.
The examiner argues (Answer, pages 10-11) that
appellants' definition of "non-minutiae" is not specifically
set forth in the claims and that he is entitled to give the
broadest reasonable interpretation to the language of the
claims. The examiner further contends (Answer, pages 10-11)
that since Sparrow's numerical identifier is based in part on
ridge counts as is appellants', Sparrow's numerical identifier
meets the claimed non-minutiae numerical identifier.
Although the examiner is entitled to give the broadest
reasonable interpretation to the language of the claims, we do
not find his interpretation of the claims on appeal to be
reasonable. As indicated above, each claim clearly recites
that the fingerprint is to be analyzed and/or digitized on a
non-minutiae basis and the numerical identifier is to be non-
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007